Adjustable cushion device

ABSTRACT

This disclosure relates to a cushion and more particularly to a pillow providing cervical alignment by way of a cervical spine support structure that is positioned along a major axis of the pillow, and that can be rotated around the major axis. The pillow utilizes one or more of the following features: 1) a dimensionally correct platform for the proper sleep posture of a majority of body types on a wide array of mattress types; 2) A non-crush zone integrated cervical support roll which can be adjusted for extended durations of supportive comfort. (The roll—in and of itself—is unique compared to the standard of care because of its foam densities and its semi-hollowed out section); and 3) A sleep posture platform with a side sleeping position and a back-sleeping position. The pillow standardizes care by placement of the support roll inside a dimensionally correct platform using different materials.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.15/492,347, filed Apr. 20, 2017, which in turn claimed priority to U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 62/325,075, filed on Apr. 20, 2016,and entitled “ADJUSTABLE CUSHION DEVICE.” The entirety of each of theseapplications is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a cushion and more particularly to apillow.

BACKGROUND

Various devices exist that are intended for use in aligning the cervicalspine. For example, McKenzie rolls that can be placed under or insideconventional pillows are prescribed to aid in alignment of the cervicalspine. However, since physicians often do not know what type of pillow aMcKenzie roll will be placed under, or in, dimensions of a prescribedMcKenzie roll may be poorly suited to cervical spine alignment of anindividual patient. There are multiple pillows in the marketplace thatclaim to align the cervical spine. But because of the variabilities inend-user physiology, material selections, sleep position preference,mattress firmness, and personal comfort preferences, no one pillowexists that offers true customization to solve the problem of cervicalspine alignment for a wide range of consumers.

SUMMARY

The following is a brief summary of subject matter that is described ingreater detail herein. This summary is not intended to be limiting as tothe scope of the claims.

The present disclosure relates to a cushion and more particularly to apillow providing cervical alignment by way of an adjustable cervicalspine support structure that is positioned along a major axis of thepillow, and that can be rotated around the major axis. The adjustablecervical spine support can have two or more segments having differentmaterial properties or different geometries. When the adjustablecervical spine support is rotated around the major axis, a level ofsupport provided by the pillow changes based upon an alignment of thesegments of the adjustable cervical spine support with respect to asurface of the pillow. The pillow can further be configured to havesurface portions of differing densities such that greater support isprovided for a user's cervical spine. In addition, the adjustablecervical support gains additional efficacy by being integrated with aspecific geometry for the back sleeping position and a specific geometryfor a side sleeping position. As such, in embodiments, the pillow isfurther differentiated from prior cushion devices by having twodimensionally correct platforms in one pillow—a side sleeping platformand a back sleeping platform.

The above summary presents a simplified summary in order to provide abasic understanding of some aspects of the devices and/or methodsdiscussed herein. This summary is not an extensive overview of thedevices and/or methods discussed herein. It is not intended to identifykey/critical elements or to delineate the scope of such devices and/ormethods. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts in a simplifiedform as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presentedlater.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example adjustable pillow.

FIG. 2 is a perspective, cut-away view of an example adjustable pillow,exposing a multi-density cervical spine support.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view, along the major axis of an examplemulti-density cervical spine support in a flexed state.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional side view of the adjustable pillow.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional side view of an additional embodiment of anadjustable pillow.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an example adjustable cervical spinesupport.

FIG. 7A-7C are views of another example adjustable cervical spinesupport.

FIG. 8A-D are side view diagrams of spinal alignment and misalignment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various technologies pertaining to an adjustable cushion are nowdescribed with reference to the drawings, wherein like referencenumerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the followingdescription, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details areset forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of one or moreaspects. It may be evident, however, that such aspect(s) may bepracticed without these specific details.

Moreover, the term “or” is intended to mean an inclusive “or” ratherthan an exclusive “or.” That is, unless specified otherwise, or clearfrom the context, the phrase “X employs A or B” is intended to mean anyof the natural inclusive permutations. That is, the phrase “X employs Aor B” is satisfied by any of the following instances: X employs A; Xemploys B; or X employs both A and B. In addition, the articles “a” and“an” as used in this application and the appended claims shouldgenerally be construed to mean “one or more” unless specified otherwiseor clear from the context to be directed to a singular form.Additionally, as used herein, the term “exemplary” is intended to meanserving as an illustration or example of something, and is not intendedto indicate a preference.

The present disclosure relates to a cushion and more particularly to apillow providing cervical alignment by way of an adjustable cervicalspine support structure that is positioned along a major axis of thepillow, and that can be rotated around the major axis. In an embodiment,the cervical spine support may also be fixed and not adjustable. Thepillow disclosed herein is further differentiated by its integrationinto a dimensionally correct pillow geometry and a platform that isspecific to a back sleeper and a side sleeper.

FIG. 1 shows an example adjustable pillow 100 with an adjustment knob102 disposed along a major axis 104 of the pillow 100. The adjustmentknob 102 is coupled to an adjustable cervical spine support 106 (notshown). The adjustment knob 102 can be used to adjust a firmness of atleast a portion of the pillow 100 in order to aid in alignment of auser's cervical spine. In exemplary embodiments, the adjustment knob cancomprise a soft yet stiff material, such as a foam or rubber material.The adjustment knob 102 can include a protruding center portion that canbe grasped by a user in order to twist the knob 102 and thereby adjustthe adjustable cervical spine support 106. The adjustable pillow 100 isdesigned to account for variabilities in end-user physiology, sleepposition preference, mattress firmness, and personal comfortpreferences. The pillow 100 is ergonomically shaped, e.g. with roundedends 108, 110, and edges 112, 114.

In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the pillow 100 is ergonomically shaped foraccommodating a user's neck being rested on a lower pillow surface 116,which is above the adjustable cervical spine support 106. The pillow 100is also ergonomically configured to accommodate a user's skull to restagainst an upper pillow surface 118. In this embodiment, the adjustablecervical spine support 106 and the major axis 104 is located offset fromthe center of the pillow toward the lower end 108 of the pillow 100 asdepicted in FIG. 1. For example, the major axis 104 may be within 1.5 to4 inches of the lower end of the pillow, such as 2 to 3.75 inches, or2.5 to 3.5 inches.

FIG. 2 shows details of the adjustable cervical spine support 106 in acut-away view of the pillow 100. In this embodiment, the spine support106 is a multi-density cervical spine support that is rotatable alongthe major axis 104 to expose three-segments 204, 206, 208 of materialwith different densities (e.g., soft 204, medium 206, or firm 208) in aposition configured to be directly under the user's cervical spine. Thethree segments 204, 206, 208 run the entire length or substantially(e.g. 80%-99%, or 85% to 97%) the entire length of the pillow 100 andare coupled to the adjustment knob 102 (See FIG. 1) at one end. A secondadjustment knob (not shown) may be present on the opposite side of thepillow 100 and is also coupled to the adjustable cervical spine support106. At the center of the adjustable cervical spine support 106, auniversal joint armature 212 runs along the major axis 104 of theadjustable cervical spine support 106 to allow for adjustability whileproviding flexibility on a variety of mattress densities. In someembodiments, a coupling that allows rotation of the cervical spinesupport 106 about the major axis 104 connects the universal jointarmature 212 to the adjustment knob 102. The coupling may be attached tothe pillow 100 and provides support to the universal joint armature 212while allowing the cervical spine support 106 to be rotated. Forexample, the coupling can be rigid and fixed to the pillow 100 such thatthe coupling does not rotate, while the universal joint armature 212protrudes through an opening in the coupling. The adjustment knob 102can be attached to the portion of the universal joint armature 212 thatprotrudes through the opening in the fixed coupling, thereby allowingthe cervical spine support 106 to be rotated by way of the adjustment102.

It is considered that the multi-density segments 204, 206, 208 are alsoof varying hardness. For example, a first section differs by at least10% in hardness from a second segment, and the second segment differs byat least 10% from a third segment. The recited differences in hardnessmay range from 10% to 1000%, such as 20% to 500%, or 100% to 300%.Hardness or firmness may be measured by Indentation Load Deflection(ILD) (also known as Indentation Force Deflection, or IFD) which isdetermined by mechanical performance testing. In the ILD test, amaterial sample measuring 15″ by 15″ by 4″ is used and the force inpounds that it takes a 50 square inch circular indenter to compress thematerial 1 inch (25 percent of its thickness) is recorded. For example,if the sample requires 36 lbs. of pressure to indent it 1 inch, its ILDis 36. In an embodiment, the ILD of the segments of material 204, 206,208, may range from 8 to 100, for example, 12 to 70, or 20 to 60.

The material for the three segments and for the rest of the pillow maycomprise memory foam, polyurethane foam, rubber, other types ofparticulate and non-particulate polymeric foam, latex, Talaly latex,natural latex, and synthetic latex, chopped foam, feathers, particulatematerial such as rubber, latex, Talaly latex, natural latex, andsynthetic latex, or plastic beads, or natural filler material such asbuckwheat husks. If particulate material or feathers are used, theywould be contained in an appropriately shaped bag or other suitablecontainer that does not interfere with the firmness of the materialbeing felt from outside the container. In embodiments disclosed hereinthe material for the cervical spine support and the segments thereof ismore firm than the surrounding pillow material. For example, thecervical spine support may comprise relatively firm non-viscoelasticfoam, while the surrounding pillow, or at least the portion of thepillow above the cervical spine support, comprises a softer viscoelasticfoam material.

In an embodiment, the adjustable cervical spine support 106 isconfigured to be in a cylindrical shape and fits within a hollowcylinder compartment in the interior of the pillow 100. In anembodiment, sufficient clearance for the adjustable cervical spinesupport 106 to rotate within the cylindrical compartment is provided.This clearance may have a range, for example, 1 micrometer to 1 cm incircumferential difference, such as 10 micrometers to 1 mm, or 100micrometers to 5 mm. In another embodiment, there may be no clearance solong as the materials allow the adjustable cervical spine support 106 torotate within the cylindrical compartment.

In other embodiments, either or both of the cervical spine support 106or the hollow compartment can have irregularities in shape such that thecervical spine support 106 fits snugly within the hollow compartmentwhen rotated to some positions and rotates freely when rotated toothers. For example, the cervical spine support 106 can have protrusionsand the hollow compartment can have indentations corresponding to theprotrusions. When the cervical spine support 106 is rotated, theprotrusions can make contact with the interior of the compartment,causing resistance due to friction, until the protrusions reach theindentations. When the protrusions of the cervical spine support 106reach the indentations of the compartment as the cervical spine support106 is rotated, the protrusions no longer make contact with the interiorof the compartment. Thus, resistance to rotation of the cervical spinesupport 106 can be higher in some orientations of the cervical spinesupport 106 than others. This allows the cervical spine support 106 torotate easily to one or more desired “settings” while keeping thecervical spine support 106 from rotating to another setting unlessintentionally rotated by a user of the pillow 100. This may also affectthe firmness of the pillow.

Additional embodiments of the adjustable cervical spine support 106could have a minimum of two different density sections, and a maximum offour different density sections.

FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the adjustable cervical spinesupport 106 in a flexed state to simulate an in-use scenario accountingfor the weight of the end-user's head and cervical spine, along with thegive in a mattress. In this embodiment, the universal joint armature 212consists of three rigid elements 302, connected by two flexible elements304. The rigid material may be hard plastic, metal, or some other rigidmaterial. The flexible elements may, for example, be u-joint couplingsor thinner, i.e., narrowed portions of the same material as the rigidmaterial. Additional embodiments of the universal joint armature couldinclude additional flexible and/or rigid elements. The rigid andflexible elements should be configured to allow flexibility away fromthe major axis 104, but provide rigidity for rotation about the majoraxis 104. In an embodiment, the length of the central rigid element 302is configured to be approximately the width a user's cervical spine,e.g., 2 to 5 inches, or 2.5 to 4.5 inches, or 3 to 4 inches.

The multi-density segments 204, 206, 208 are attached to the universaljoint armature 212 by an adhesive or molding process. They may also beadhered or molded to each other at their respective surfaces runningalong the major axis 104.

FIG. 4 shows a side view cross-section of an embodiment. This view showsthe offset position of the adjustable cervical spine support 106 tocreate a thin section 402 on a bottom side 404 of the pillow 100, and athicker section 406 on the top side 408 of the pillow 100, to createadditional opportunities for comfort. In this embodiment, the major axis104 is nearer a bottom side 404 of the pillow 100 than a top side 408 ofthe pillow 100, such as, for example the major axis 104 may be offsetfrom the midpoint between the top and bottom sides 408, 404 of thepillow by 10% to 40% of the total thickness, such as 15% to 25% or 20%to 30%. This allows the user to further customize the pillow feel byputting their head on the top or the bottom side.

FIG. 5 shows a side view cross-section of another embodiment of anadjustable pillow 502 providing cervical alignment by way of amulti-density cervical spine support structure 504 that is positionedalong a major axis 506 (extending into the page) of the pillow 502, andthat can be rotated around the major axis 506. The pillow 502 comprisesa lower section 508, having a lower surface 509, and an upper section510, having an upper surface 511, wherein the lower section 508 and theupper section 510 are joined at an interface 512. In an example, thelower section 508 can be placed on a mattress or other surface forsleeping and a head of a user of the pillow 502 can rest on the uppersection 510 when the pillow 502 is in use. In other embodiments, thelower section 508 and upper section 510 are integrally made, that is,they are manufactured as a single unit with a cavity for supportstructure 504.

In an example, the lower section 508 and the upper section 510 of thepillow 502 are joined at the interface 512 by a glue or other adhesivematerial. In an exemplary embodiment, when joined, the lower and uppersections 508, 510 can have a total height of between 4.5 and 6.25inches, for example, 4.75 to 6 inches, 5 to 5.75, or 5 to 5.5 inches.The total height is measured at the tallest height of the pillow 502with the pillow 502 laying on a flat surface. Generally, all dimensionsdisclosed herein are measured at the most extreme point of the dimensionif not otherwise stated.

The pillow 502 can include a cavity 514 extending through the pillow 502along the major axis 506. The multi-density cervical spine support 504can be disposed inside the cavity 514 and can be rotated inside thecavity 514 by way of a knob (not pictured) attached to an end of themulti-density cervical spine support 504. The multi-density cervicalspine support 504 comprises a plurality of segments 516, 518, 520 eachhaving a different density. The multi-density segments 516, 518, 520 canalso be of varying hardness. For example, a first segment differs by atleast 10% in hardness from a second segment, and the second segmentdiffers by at least 10% from a third segment. The recited differences inhardness may range from 10% to 1000%, such as 20% to 500%, 100% to 300%.In an embodiment, the ILD of the segments of material 516, 518, 520, mayrange from 8 to 100, for example, 12 to 70, or 20 to 60.

The segments 516, 518, 520 can be joined at their respective interfacessuch that the multi-density cervical spine support 504 has a cylindricalshape. For example, the segment 516 can be joined to the segment 518 atan interface 522, the segment 518 can be joined to the segment 520 at aninterface 524, and the segment 520 can be joined to the segment 516 atan interface 526. The segments 516, 518, 520 can be joined at theinterfaces 522, 524, 526 by suitable adhesives capable of durablyadhering the segments 516, 518, 520. These adhesives may be the same ordifferent based on the chemical properties of the material being joined.

The exemplary pillow 502 further comprises a head well portion 528 thatmakes up at least a part of the upper section 510. In some embodiments,the head well portion 528 can make up at least a part of each of theupper section 510 and the lower section 508. The head well 528 comprisessupporting surfaces 530 separated by a plurality of grooves 532. Thesupporting surfaces 530 can comprise a material having a density and/ora hardness that differs from a density or hardness of either or both ofthe lower and upper sections 508-510 of the pillow 502. The grooves 532may function to allow airflow through the head well 528, and other partsof the pillow 502, which can keep a user of the pillow 502 cool. Thelower section 508 of the pillow 502 can also have grooves 534 along thelower surface 509 of the pillow 502 in order to promote airflow over thelower surface 509. In exemplary embodiments, the head well 528 can havea height between an upper surface 536 of the support portion 528 and alower surface 538 of the head well 528 of 0.8 to 2.7 inches, 1 to 2.5inches, 1.25 to 2.25 inches, or 1.4 to 2 inches. The upper surface 511of the pillow 502 includes the upper surface 536 of the head wellportion 528.

The head well portion 528 is configured for a user's head and neck torest in the supine position, with the back of the head resting againstthe upper surface 536 of the head well portion 528 with the neck restingover the multi-density cervical spine support 504. In another use, auser can rest the head and neck on the upper portion 510 of the pillow502, with the neck, resting over the multi-density cervical spinesupport 504 and the side of the head resting against the upper surface511 of the pillow 502. In still another use, a user can turn the pillow502 over, and the lower surface 509 of the pillow 502 is configured fora user's head and neck to rest in the side-lying position with the neckresting over the multi-density cervical spine support 504.

Referring now to FIG. 6, another exemplary embodiment of an adjustablecervical spine support structure 600 is illustrated. The adjustablecervical spine support 600 comprises a first portion 602 and a secondportion 604. The first portion comprises a first material having a firstdensity. The second portion 604 comprises a second material having asecond density. The first portion 602 and the second portion 604 arejoined such that a hollow cylindrical interior region 606 is formed thatextends along a major axis 608 running through the adjustable cervicalspine support 600. An end cap 610 (or knob) is connected to the terminalend of the adjustable cervical spine support structure 600. The oppositeend of the adjustable cervical spine support 600 may also be connectedto an end cap (not shown). The interface of the first 602 and secondportion 604 and the end cap 610 may be joined together as disclosed inthe prior embodiments. In an embodiment, the adjustable cervical spinesupport 600 is included in the adjustable pillow disclosed above insteadof the adjustable cervical spine support 106 of FIGS. 2 and 4, or themulti-density cervical spine support 504 of FIG. 5.

Referring now to FIGS. 7A-7C, still another exemplary embodiment of anadjustable cervical spine support structure 700 is illustrated.Referring to FIG. 7A, a perspective view of the adjustable cervicalspine support 700 is shown. The adjustable cervical spine support 700comprises a first portion 702 and a second portion 704 joined to form asubstantially cylindrical shape. As in other embodiments describedherein, the first portion 702 can comprise a first material having afirst density, and the second portion 704 can comprise a second materialhaving a second density. In an embodiment, the ILD of the first andsecond portions 702, 704 may range from 8 to 100, for example, 12 to 70,or 20 to 60. In an exemplary embodiment, the second portion 704 cancomprise a softer material than the first portion 702. For example, thefirst portion 702 can comprise a first type of foam having an ILD of 45and the second portion 704 can comprise a second type of foam having anILD of 17. An end cap 706 (or knob) is connected to the terminal end ofthe adjustable cervical spine support 700. The opposite end of theadjustable cervical spine support 700 is also be connected to an end cap708.

Referring to FIG. 7B, a view facing one of the terminal ends of theadjustable cervical spine support 700 is shown, wherein the end cap 706or 708 is removed. The second portion 704 of the adjustable cervicalspine support 700 has a cut-out 710 running along a major axis 712 ofthe adjustable cervical spine support 700. Thus, when the first portion702 and the second portion 704 are joined, a compartment with a halfcylinder hollow opening is formed that runs along the length of theadjustable cervical spine support 700 parallel to the major axis 712.The cut-out 710 may also be of different geometries and producedifferent hollow openings when the first and second portions 702, 704are joined. The cut-out 710 aids in adjustability of a pillow thatincorporates the adjustable cervical spine support 700. The firmness ofthe adjustable cervical spine support 700 depends upon both thedensities of the materials comprising the first and second portions 702and 704, and an orientation of the cut-out 710 with respect to a forceapplied to the adjustable cervical spine support 700 (e.g., caused bythe weight of a user's head resting on a pillow incorporating theadjustable cervical spine support 700). In some embodiments, the firstportion 702 and the second portion 704 comprise the same material havingthe same density, and the variation in firmness of the adjustablecervical spine support 700 depends entirely upon the orientation of thecut-out 710 with respect to the force applied to the adjustable cervicalspine support 700. Referring to FIG. 7C, a side view of the adjustablecervical spine support 700 is illustrated.

The teachings recited herein are not limited to just pillows, but couldalso be employed in other types of cushions or cushion-containingfurniture, such as chairs, seats used in transportation, mattresses, andhospital furniture.

In an embodiment, the adjustable cervical spine support 106 may be usedoutside the pillow 100, by itself, for example, as an aid for exerciseor for massage. In an embodiment, the multi-density segments 204, 206,208 may be separated in a plane perpendicular to the major axis 104, inparticular, the separation may correspond to the area where flexiblejoints of the universal joint armature 212 are. In addition, in anembodiment, the multi-density segments 204, 206, 208 may be rotatablerather than fixed in relation to the universal joint armature 212, thatis, the segments 204, 206, 208 may be joined to each other and rotate asa whole around the universal joint armature 212.

Referring now to FIGS. 8A-8D, diagrams showing exemplary alignments andmisalignments of a spine of a human subject are illustrated. FIG. 8Ashows an alignment of a person's spine 800 in a side-lying positionwherein a continuous spline is formed by cervical 802, thoracic 804, andlumbar 806 sections of the spine 800. FIG. 8B illustrates a misalignmentof the cervical section 802 of the spine 800 wherein a continuous splinerunning through the thoracic section 804 and the lumbar section 806 ismisaligned with the cervical section 802. FIG. 8C illustrates amisalignment of head 808 and neck 810 sections of the spine 800 of thesubject in a supine position in both flexion and hyperextension. FIG. 8Dillustrates alignment of the head 808 and neck 810 sections of the spine800 in the supine position, wherein the sections 808-810 are shownaligned with parallel horizontal planes. These exemplary alignment andmisalignment guidelines were used to determine the various measurementsin Tables 1 and 2, below.

EXAMPLES

Provided below in Tables 1 and 2 are exemplary data relating to effectsof various pillow design parameters on alignment of subjects' cervicalspines in connection with using a pillow constructed in accordance withembodiments of the present disclosure. The data include, for each testsubject, a shoulder width, hip width, and a difference between theshoulder width and the hip width (labeled “Physiological Differential”).The data also include, for each subject, a height of the highest pointof the subject's head when lying on a test bed frame with the subject'sspine in alignment (labeled “Alignment Height”). This “alignment height”was determined in accordance with FIG. 8A by a neck and spine specialistfrom visual assessments of the test subjects. Then a height of thehighest point of the subject's head was determined when lying on thetest bed frame with the subject's head resting on a first prototypepillow having a total height of approximately 6 inches and a head welldepth of approximately 1 inch (labeled “Prototype 1”). All data inTables 1 and 2 are in units of inches unless otherwise noted.

The data further include a difference in height of the subject's headbetween the alignment height and the height for each of a variety ofprototype pillows. In the side-lying position (Table 1) the subjectsrested their head and neck on the lower surface 535, (i.e, the head-wellportion was facing the mattress) of a pillow constructed similarly topillow 502. The data show the difference in height when the subject'shead is resting on the first pillow prototype having a height of 6inches (labeled “Alignment Height Differential”), the difference inheight when the subject's head is resting on a second pillow prototypehaving height of 5.5 inches (labeled “Differential (Prototype 2)”), andthe difference in height when the subject's head is resting on a thirdpillow prototype having height of 5.25 inches (labeled “Differential(Prototype 3)”). Thus, the smaller the absolute value of the number forthe “Differential” data points the closer the subject was to being incorrect alignment.

In the supine position (Table 2), the subjects rested their head andneck on the upper section 510 and head well 528 of a pillow constructedsimilarly to pillow 502. The data include the difference in height whenthe subject's head is resting on the first pillow prototype havingheight of 6 inches and head well depth of 1 inch (labeled “AlignmentHeight Differential”), the difference in height when the subject's headis resting on a fourth pillow prototype having height of 5.5 inches andhead well depth of 2 inches (labelled “Differential (Prototype 4)”), andthe difference in height when the subject's head is resting on a fifthpillow prototype having height of 5.25 inches and head well depth of 2inches (labeled “Differential (Prototype 5)”).

TABLE 1 Side-lying position: Alignment Differential DifferentialShoulder Hip Physiological Alignment Prototype Height (Prototype(Prototype Gender Width Width Differential Height 1 Differential 2) 3)GP M 17.75 14 3.75 28.75 28.75 0 −0.5 −0.75 MT M 17.75 14.5 3.25 2928.875 −0.125 −0.625 −0.875 AD M 18 13.75 4.25 28 28.75 0.75 0.25 0 RP M20.5 14.25 6.25 28.125 28.5 0.375 −0.125 −0.375 TS F 15.5 13.5 2 27 29 21.5 1.25 SH M 16.5 13 3.5 28.25 28.875 0.625 0.125 −0.125 JC M 17 13.53.5 27.25 28.875 1.625 1.125 0.875 BP F 15.875 14.5 1.375 27.875 29.1251.25 0.75 0.5 KM F 19 18 1 27.625 28.625 1 0.5 0.25 GALA F 17.125 17.1250 27.75 29 1.25 0.75 0.5 BJ F 18.75 16 2.75 28.25 29.25 1 0.5 0.25 VM F16.75 13.75 3 27.75 28.75 1 0.5 0.25 KH F 18.75 16.25 2.5 28.375 28.6250.25 −0.25 −0.5 LH F 14.375 13.75 0.625 28.125 29 0.875 0.375 0.125 MM F18.75 15 3.75 29.5 29.75 0.25 −0.25 −0.5 SMS F 16.25 14.75 1.5 28 29.51.5 1 0.75 SLS F 16 12.5 3.5 28.5 29.125 0.625 0.125 −0.125 KS F 17.7515 2.75 27.875 28.875 1 0.5 0.25 MA F 16 12.5 2.5 27.75 28.875 1.1250.625 0.375 JS M 19.25 13.125 6.125 28.125 29 0.875 0.375 0.125

TABLE 2 Supine position: Alignment Differential Differential ShoulderHip Physiological Alignment Prototype Height (Prototype (PrototypeGender Width Width Differential Height 1 Differential 4) 5) GP M 17.7514 3.75 27.875 30 2.125 0.625 0.375 MT M 17.75 14.5 3.25 27.875 29.6251.75 0.25 0 AD M 18 13.75 4.25 27.375 29 1.625 0.125 −0.125 RP M 20.514.25 6.25 TS F 15.5 13.5 2 SH M 16.5 13 3.5 JC M 17 13.5 3.5 BP F15.875 14.5 1.375 28 29.875 1.875 0.375 0.125 KM F 19 18 1 28.25 30 1.750.25 0 GALA F 17.125 17.125 0 27.25 29.875 2.625 1.125 0.875 BJ F 18.7516 2.75 27.75 29.375 1.625 0.125 −0.125 VM F 16.75 13.75 3 27.75 29.6251.875 0.375 0.125 KH F 18.75 16.25 2.5 27.875 29.5 1.625 0.125 −0.125 LHF 14.375 13.75 0.625 28.25 30.125 1.875 0.375 0.125 MM F 18.75 15 3.7528 29.625 1.625 0.125 −0.125 SMS F 16.25 14.75 1.5 27.875 29.875 2 0.50.25 SLS F 16 12.5 3.5 27.5 29.625 2.125 0.625 0.375 KS F 17.75 15 2.7528.125 30 1.875 0.375 0.125 MA F 16 13.5 2.5 28 29.5 1.5 0 −0.25 JS M19.25 3.125 16.125 27.875 29.875 2 0.5 0.25Through the study it was determined that the greatest number of subjectswere closest to alignment when using prototype pillows 3 and 5.

What has been described above includes examples of one or moreembodiments. It is, of course, not possible to describe everyconceivable modification and alteration of the above devices ormethodologies for purposes of describing the aforementioned aspects, butone of ordinary skill in the art can recognize that many furthermodifications and permutations of various aspects are possible.Accordingly, the described aspects are intended to embrace all suchalterations, modifications, and variations that fall within the spiritand scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that theterm “includes” is used in either the details description or the claims,such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term“comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as atransitional word in a claim.

What is claimed is:
 1. A cushion comprising: a top side, a bottom side, a cylindrical compartment; and a cylindrical cervical spine support disposed in the cylindrical compartment, the cylindrical cervical spine support running along a major axis and comprising two or more segments of material with different densities or geometries also running along the major axis; the cervical spine support being configured to freely rotate in relation to the cushion around the major axis within the cylindrical compartment.
 2. The cushion of claim 1, wherein the cushion is configured to have sufficient clearance for the adjustable cervical spine support to freely rotate within the cylindrical compartment.
 3. The cushion of claim 1, wherein the cylindrical cervical spine support is free of protrusions.
 4. The cushion of claim 1, wherein the cylindrical compartment is free of indentations corresponding to protrusions, if present, on the cylindrical cervical spine support.
 5. The cushion of claim 1, wherein a knob is coupled to the cervical spine support and the knob is configured to facilitate rotation of the cervical spine support.
 6. The cushion of claim 1, wherein the two or more segments of material comprise a firm segment and a soft segment, as determined by the Indentation Load Deflection test.
 7. The cushion of claim 1, wherein the two or more segments of material are of the same geometry but of different densities.
 8. The cushion of claim 1, wherein the two or more segments of material are of different internal geometries.
 9. The cushion of claim 1, wherein the cylindrical compartment runs between opposite sides of the cushion.
 10. The cushion of claim 1, wherein the cylindrical compartment and the cylindrical cervical spine support have a 1 micrometer to 1 centimeter circumferential difference.
 11. The cushion of claim 1, further comprising: a head well portion having a lower surface with a depth of 0.8 to 2.7 inches from a top side of the pillow; wherein the pillow has a total thickness of 5 to 6.25 inches from the top side of the pillow to the bottom side of the pillow.
 12. The cushion of claim 1, wherein the cervical spine support is configured to rotate around the major axis while in continuous contact with the cylindrical compartment.
 13. A pillow comprising: a cervical spine support running along a major axis and comprising two or more segments of material having different densities or geometries, the two or more segments also running along the major axis; the cervical spine support being coupled in a configuration to rotate around the major axis in relation to the pillow; the cervical spine support having a substantially cylindrical exterior shape free of protrusions.
 14. The pillow of claim 13, wherein the two or more segments of the cervical spine support are joined by an adhesive.
 16. The pillow of claim 13, wherein at least one of the two or more segments has an interior cut-out running along the at least one segment in a direction of the major axis.
 17. The pillow of claim 13, wherein a knob is coupled to the cervical spine support and the knob is configured to facilitate rotation of the cervical spine support.
 18. A pillow comprising: a cervical spine support running along a major axis and comprising two or more segments of material having different densities, the two or more segments also running along the major axis; and a cylindrical compartment in the pillow; the cervical spine support being configured to rotate around the major axis in relation to the pillow while in continuous contact with a cylindrical compartment of the pillow.
 19. The pillow of claim 18, wherein the cylindrical cervical spine support is free of protrusions.
 20. The pillow of claim 19, wherein the cylindrical compartment and the cylindrical cervical spine support have a 1 micrometer to 1 centimeter circumferential difference. 